Kate Chapman

Description

Kate Chapman, Adobe Builder in 1930s Santa Fe

This book by Catherine Colby explores the life of Kate Muller Chapman, a key figure in Santa Fe Style architecture (ISBN: 9781611396812). Chapman arrived in New Mexico as the style developed. In the 1920s and 1930s, she designed and directed the building of adobe homes. Moreover, she added her unique touch to every project.

Chapman excelled at skillfully directing historic rehabilitation projects. She preserved the essential character of nineteenth-century adobes. Furthermore, she simultaneously updated and enlarged them. Her work helped define the regional aesthetic. Key aspects of her contribution included:

• Designing new adobe houses.
• Directing local construction workers.
• Rehabilitating older adobe structures.

Consequently, this volume includes a reprint of her useful 1930 pamphlet, “Adobe Notes or How to Keep the Water Out with Just Plain Mud.” This text provides practical tips on earthen architecture.

Ultimately, the book highlights Chapman’s importance to Santa Fe’s architectural and artistic history. It celebrates her role as a professional builder and a preservationist. Colby’s research offers a valuable look at this influential and relatively unknown woman architect.